EU Eyes €20 Billion Surge to Fuel Joint Defense Operations With Ukraine

The European Commission is preparing a tender for defense initiatives aiming to secure approximately €20 billion ($22.2 billion) in unallocated capital from the SAFE program, opening participation to joint ventures between European Union member states and Ukraine.

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the initiative focuses on expanding defense collaboration by executing shared projects both on Ukrainian soil and within EU territories, leveraging Ukraine’s leading position in defense innovation.

Kubilius noted that Ukraine faces a €23 billion ($25.5 billion) defense budget shortfall this year, underscoring the requirement for continuous aid from global partners.

He explained that this deficit stems from unfulfilled commitments by individual nations that previously pledged over €40 billion ($44.4 billion) during the NATO summit in Ankara.

Additionally, the European Commission recently directed €325 million ($360 million) toward five European Defense Projects of Common Interest, with Ukraine taking part in four of those initiatives.

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EU Open to Fast Tracking 2027 Military Support for Ukraine

Sep 29, 2026 18:52

The new commitments come as individual European countries continue to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses through bilateral support.

Germany, in particular, is expected to deliver additional air defense packages to Ukraine later this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian and German officials are also finalizing a bilateral Drone Deal aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.

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